Title: Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Genre: Contemporary/Literary fiction

Setting: The Palouse Region of the Pacific Northwest in the late 1990 and early 2000s

Leaning on Air picks up with two of the characters, Celia and Burnaby from Bostrom’s first book Sugar Birds, as adults who have not seen each other for at least a decade. The story quickly progresses as they reconnect and marry. Ten years after they marry and after multiple miscarriages they both feel lost and confused about how to deal with all of the overwhelming grief. In addition to the grief they struggled with Burnaby’s autistic sensitivities rose to the top. His sensitivity to touch and stimulation had gradually driven a wedge between them over the years. As Celia began to close herself off from Burnaby and the rest of the world, news came that forced her to move forward. God had plans for her and surprises that she never dreamed possible. Their lives would forever be changed by the things that lay ahead.

The story is so beautifully written and engaging. Celia and Burnaby’s story is so compelling and real. As I read I felt what they felt. I went through the story embracing the joys and moments of peace. I grieved and shed tears with Celia as she made her way through some very difficult moments. I felt the heartaches, anger, and confusion as various characters dealt with real hardship and struggle. There is even a bit of a mystery to be solved.

I really enjoyed the beautiful descriptive language as Bostrom shared her beloved Palouse region in the PNW. She draws such lovely pictures for the mind in her storytelling. I loved how, much like the book of Esther, we see God’s hand woven through the story of Celia and Burnaby and all those their lives touched. Overarching themes that resonated with me over and over again included redemption, forgiveness, second chances and the importance of community and family. No one should walk through life alone and God made sure Celia didn’t have to.

I could not wait to read this second book. I was able to get a digital copy from Netgalley as a reviewer. It will be released on May 7th but feel free to pre-order it anywhere you purchase books. Not one single word of this book disappointed.

Also check out Sugar Birds – the first book in the series. Here is my review for that one.

If you love a great devotional book try her book entitled… The View from Goose Ridge, and check out her website for updates and lovely nature photos and musings.